Do you struggle to choose a Baby name? Could you grab a cup of tea and let me help you? Since 2005, I have been writing about baby names. Some even consider me an expert on the subject. I have learned some hard truths along the journey.
I have heard many parents speak in quiet tones about the pain and regret they feel over their baby’s name. Many parents fall for trendy baby names and regret them after signing them on the child’s birth certificate. Some feel pressured to keep a family tradition in naming their child and choose a baby name that they don’t like. Some parents can’t agree and end up giving in to their children.
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Here are my top tips for choosing a right baby name:
- Do not follow the latest trends
- Don’t forget that classic names don’t have to be boring
- Take a look at the family tree
- Honor your culture
- Find meanings
- Consider all possible nicknames
- The importance of the middle name
- Remember to include your initials
- It’s important to say it loud
- Stressless
Learn more about each one of these rules by clicking the link below.
Avoid Passing Trends
Names should be able to withstand the test of time. Think about it: In 10 years, will this black baby name sound ridiculous? The name might tempt other children to chant in a mocking tone. My child will have to spell their name or explain it every day of their life.
It is essential to differentiate between names from different cultures and the invented or butchered epithets that I am describing. Both are very different, and employers would be wise not to discriminate against the former.
Classic Baby Names don’t have to be boring.
While I recommend that you stick with classic baby names, it is not my intention to suggest that every child be named Mary, Paul, and Peter. What would it be like to have a boring name? Many striking appellations can be used, but they remain relatively unknown. For girls, think Celeste, Ophelia, and Willa. For boys, Edwin, Miles, and Silas. Aaliyah, Imani, and Tiana are some of the most beautiful African American options. Jaylen Malik, Zion, and Zion are for boys.
Take a look at your Family Tree.
Your family tree is another excellent place to find inspiration. Maybe your grandparents have family records that include family names, or one of your relatives has an online family tree. Take a peek and see what catches your awareness. It’s unique to pick a baby name you love with, powerful meaning for your home.
Honor Your Cultural Value
It is a beautiful way to honor your heritage by choosing a name from your cultural background. Marisol and Javier are Spanish gems. Laurent and Elodie from France might be favorites. Early African-American names like Cato or Temperance may also appeal to you. A simple internet search will yield at least one name from your culture.
Search for Meanings
This is a crucial step to ensure that you don’t choose a baby name that has a negative meaning. Giselle is a name you might like, but it can also mean “hostage.” Or that Cecilia is “blind” while Cameron is a “crooked nose.” Yikes. It’s possible to decide you don’t care enough about the meaning of the name, but you should be ready to have a good time when someone asks you what the significance is. If you want to make people laugh, you could say, “It means “blind,” but it felt right because my grandma had been blind, so we chose it to honor her.”
Contemplate All Possible Nicknames
One mom I spoke with said that Regina was her daughter’s name. She loved the royal sound of it. Regina was quickly nicknamed “Regina Vagina” by her classmates. To ensure that there aren’t any shocking possibilities, it’s a good idea for you to brainstorm possible nicknames together with your partner or a trusted friend.
The Importance of The Middle Name
While you may choose your child’s middle name based on its compatibility with their first and second names, it could also be used to honor a loved aunt or grandparent. It can also be used to “hide” a family tradition. My friend married Richard, and the entire family of Richard’s men for 12 generations had been called Richard. My friend was not going to offend anyone in the family, but she didn’t want her son to be named Richard XIII. I don’t understand how she handled convincing her household that the custom was too old and that their baby should be named Damian Richard. Phew!
Don’t Forget About the Initials.
Although it may sound trivial, your child’s initials are a crucial consideration. Alyssa Sydney Scott (A.S.S. For example, putting a ‘?’ in front of your name is a bad idea. Fiona Mary Lawrence (F.M.L.) is also not a good idea. Fiona Mary Lawrence (F.M.L.) is not the same. One embarrassed mama told me she only realized her daughter’s initials, F.C.K. This could be misinterpreted as a negative word. She waits impatiently for her daughter to start school, hoping no one notices. Specifically, write down the initials for all names you are considering.
Speak It Out Loud
Are the rhythms of your first, middle, and last names consistent when spoken out loud? Hunter David Jackson sounds excellent, but Jackson Grayson McMasterson. Not so much. Do a Google search while you’re there to ensure that you don’t find any characters with the same name or similarity to your unborn child. People shouldn’t say, wasn’t that an adult film star named that.
